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Thanks Mike, this is the correct Henry Townsend and it all makes sense. I cannot find much information about the Royal Reserve Regiments but apparently it was quite chaotic due to the large numbers of ex-soldiers re-enlisting for the £22 1 year service bounty - "The men were organised into units already existing and wore the uniforms and badges of their corps". It seems pretty clear that although he re-enlisted under the banner of the 2nd Battalion Royal Southern Reserve Regiment, he was then allocated to his former regiment 1st Somerset Light Infantry who supplied his uniform. Maybe the slouch hats worn in the photograph was a nod to the fact that the 2nd Battalion Somerset LI was on active service in South Africa. Easy to assume that the photograph was taken in South Africa and the story was passed down the generations, but from years of family history research I know nothing is true until you can verify it. You've been a great help. Jeff

Jeff.......

Now since you are interested in the name Townsend I thought I would show you this.......

Mike

Thanks Mike, it's always interesting to learn something new. You've inspired me to dig deeper into the history of the Somerset Light Infantry but I'll have to wait until lockdown is over before I can visit the archive.
Regards. Jeff